Delta Air Lines to reward loyalty based on dollars spent

Delta Air Lines said Wednesday it would make a major change to its frequent-flier program, basing the number of miles earned toward free flights on how much customers spend rather than the distance traveled.

The change, which will take effect next year, will sweeten mileage awards for travelers who pay more for airline tickets, the carrier said in a statement.

Delta said the new program would favor "frequent business travelers" and leisure fliers who buy tickets at higher fares. Passengers will garner from 5 to 11 miles for each dollar spent on airfares depending on their frequent-flier status, with those at the highest level earning the most, the carrier said.

"The travel industry, including nearly all hotel and credit card programs, has already moved to a spend-based model," Jeff Robertson, vice president for Delta's SkyMiles loyalty program, said in the statement. "Delta will become the first U.S. global carrier to make this transition to better reward our most loyal customers."

"It's going to upset a lot of people but it's economic reality," Hamlin said. "Leisure passengers typically seek out price, and carrier loyalty is often a second priority."

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Luis has been in the Aviation Industry since the age of 18 and knows the business very well. As someone who have jet fuel running through his veins, Edgardo has the inside scoop of whats going on in Aviation today!